Chapter 16 – Sixteen Minutes

Part 4 - Christine

Ok – we need to tie up some loose ends. I was planning on this being the last chapter, but am writing an epilogue which was originally going to be the first chapter of the next story, because it now doesn't fit with that timeline, and I wanted to write something as a thank you for all of you've who've supported me during this endeavour. I'll explain a little about my plans for future stories at the end of the epilogue, so keep reading! Thank you for all your support, reviews, and for reading.

Christine Chapel opened her eyes. The familiar rumble beneath her assured her that she was on the Enterprise and that they were at warp. She felt a smile come slowly to her lips. Earth was safe. The Armada had stopped short of Jupiter, and the few more adventurous ships had been picked off by the Enterprise. They had returned to the ship a day ago, and the subsequent events had been a blur until she had finally been released to her quarters. She had slept for twelve hours. Unfortunately it had been alone – she had barely seen McCoy since they had returned – they had been interviewed separately by Starfleet Intelligence, who hadn't given them five minutes before they wanted a full report. However, nothing could distract her from what had occurred between them on the Illyrian ship. It had filled her thoughts, her dreams, her being. He loved her. He had made love to her. And it had been amazing– desperate, passionate, tender... Entirely different from anything she had ever experienced. She wouldn't forget that moment in time as long as she lived, when, broken as she was, he had shown her what love really was with a rawness and honesty that was... well perfect really. That was the only word she could ascribe to it. Perfect.

Nevertheless, now she was here alone, head nurse of the Enterprise. Neither of them had dared speak about the future, about the consequences of what they had done. They both knew too well. If someone found out... And of course there was the problem of what they were going to do now. She had promised she'd make it right – and she would. She could not lose him. She'd do whatever it took to be with him. Whatever it took.

She pulled herself out of bed quickly and washed and dressed. She glanced at herself in the mirror and realised she was smiling. She couldn't stop, couldn't remove that happiness that was bubbling in her chest. He loved her. What a difference that simple sentence made to everything. The past events had been nothing short of horrific. They should have haunted her dreams and left a heaviness in her chest. And yet he'd erased all that with three words and his touch. She wondered if he had any idea of the power he had over her. The temptation to go to him was almost overwhelming. Was he thinking about her too? However, she had made a promise. There were some things that she needed to sort out – if this was going to work. She needed to speak to someone. Someone she could trust not a say a word when she suggested her idea. She left her quarters and moved towards Uhura's.

"Christine!" Uhura's door opened and the woman embraced her warmly, then allowed her in. If she was surprised at her impromptu visit she showed no sign of it. However, the subsequent squeal of "Christine!" Told her that Gaila was also present, and was more shocked then her friend. The woman launched herself at her and hugged her fiercely.

"What happened? You wouldn't believe the rumours that are going round the ship. Especially when the doctor disappeared too. And then all the ships, they just stopped, and someone said it was because of you, that you'd sent a transmission, but how-."

"Gaila – let the poor woman speak." Uhura interrupted her, rolling her eyes.

Christine laughed softly, and removed herself gently from the Orion's grasp. "You wouldn't believe what happened. I'm not sure I do. But, it involved us destroying a starship."

"No way! So it's true? You did stop the armada?"

"I suppose so..."

Uhura smiled at her knowingly. "I bet Starfleet Intelligence are pleased with you..."

"Unfortunately so." She laughed at the irony. "They offered me a job." Amongst other things.

"What did you say?" Gaila looked worried. She had no love of the S.I. Neither did Uhura for that matter.

"No, of course." She assured them with a smile. She had no desire to do anything like that ever again. She belonged in the sickbay. She'd turned down the medal too. Vehemently. Everything that came from Starfleet Intelligence came at a price – she knew that all too well now. But she had requested that the clones were safely homed somewhere – and they had agreed to involve her in the process.

"Well, I'm glad you're staying here." Uhura said sincerely. Then she fixed her with a look. "How's the doctor?"

She wondered if she was being entirely too obvious. This was going to be a problem in the future if she was. "Fine I think – I haven't seen him since we returned. Why do you ask?"

She exchanged a glance with Gaila, who grinned. "Well – and you need to trust me on this – when he realised you had taken the ship... well he lost it."

Gaila giggled. "Lost it? He punched the admiral. I wish I'd been there!" He punched an admiral? He hadn't told her that. Poor McCoy. She'd really put him through it.

Uhura nodded. "Trust me, I've seen him furious before, but I've never seen him like that. And then he followed you, of course."

"The admirals were upset about that." Gaila interjected.

Uhura rolled her eyes and continued. "He followed you, despite being warned that it was certain death."

"Which it obviously wasn't." Gaila added again.

"And well... with such evidence, I hardly think that the doctor's feelings for you are platonic. I mean, seeing as-."

"Nyota, you sound like Spock." Gaila interrupted her with a frown. "What she's trying to say is that obviously the doctor is in love with you."

Christine had been trying very hard not to smile during the conversation, but finally couldn't stop herself. Oh dear. It sounded like he was rather obvious. How had she managed not to notice he was in love with her for so long?

Gaila was watching her reaction with widening eyes. "Wait – you know! Oh my-! Thank goodness!"

Uhura looked surprised but amused. "So you finally told him how you feel?"

"No, he told me. We were arguing. And about to die."

Uhura grinned. "Only he would argue under those circumstances." She raised her eyebrows. "And then you didn't die. That must have been pleasant for you both."

Christine felt herself flushing as Gaila giggled. "Well it's not hard to guess what happened."

She attempted to look innocent, but couldn't prevent the smile. "I don't know what you mean."

Gaila looked positively gleeful. "I always said he'd be better if he turned his anger to more pleasant pursuits..." Well that was certainly true – but she wasn't going to kiss and tell. McCoy would be furious with her, and she certainly didn't want that. She kept silent.

Uhura was looking at her carefully. "The problem is if you did do anything like that – not that I'm saying that you did – you both would be in a difficult position."

She sighed. "I know." It was time to be honest. "I don't know if I can... that is, I don't think I can be apart from him now."

"So what are you going to do?" Uhura looked understanding.

"I think I'm going to step down as head nurse."

"What?" Gaila looked alarmed. "But you can't! You're made for that job."

She sighed. This wasn't going well. If they reacted like this, how would others? "I can't think of any other way. McCoy can hardly step down – he's necessary. And he would never leave Jim and I couldn't ask him to. This is the only way."

"But Christine..." Uhura looked concerned.

"We can't lie – it undermines every oath we both took." She pointed out, appealing to her understanding. "He was willing to die for me. If this is what it takes for us to be together, then so be it."

Uhura shook her head, looking slightly bewildered. "Well... if you think that's what you need to do." She felt a wave of relief as her friend smiled slightly. "I suppose it's almost romantic."

She laughed. "Don't tell the doctor that." She doubted that would be his reaction. But she would convince him. Somehow.

A buzz at the door made them all jump. Uhura raised an eyebrow and answered it. They heard quiet voices, and she exchanged a glance with Gaila, who was grinning again. She mouthed 'Spock' to her and she understood. A second later the very Vulcan appeared in Uhura's quarters nodding to her and Gaila.

"Nurse Chapel, Lieutenant."

Gaila pulled a face at Uhura. "Hi Spock."

Christine stood politely. "Commander." She glanced at her friends. "We should go, Gaila."

Uhura smiled. "Actually, he's come to speak to you, Christine."

Now that surprised her. The Vulcan nodded, face impassive. "I am glad to see you well, Nurse Chapel."

"Thank you." She was attempting to work out why he was there. "You also deserve my gratitude for sending Plat to our rescue. We would have died otherwise."

"I merely reminded the Illyrian of his promise to you." He said formally. She was sure if he were Human he would have shrugged.

"Even so..." A thought occurred to her. "How did you even know about his promise?"

Spock raised his eyebrow. "I believe you have forgotten that my species boasts enhanced auditory skills, when compared to those of a Human."

She attempted not to laugh. Gaila's shoulders were shaking and Uhura was looking at her sternly. "Of course."

"My original reason of seeking you out was to give you this." He handed her a PADD. "I am sure you recall that Lieutenant Uhura found several ghost messages on our systems."

"Yes, sir." It had actually slipped her mind, with the drama that had occurred over the last few days.

"Commander Scott has finished decoding them. I believe there is one that you will find interesting."

"Interesting, sir?" She stared down at the blank PADD.

"Yes, Nurse Chapel. Interesting."

"Thank you sir." She glanced at her friends. She suddenly didn't want to read it in front of them, not until she was sure of the contents. "I should go – I believe I'm on duty in a few minutes."

"Of course, Nurse Chapel." She hugged Gaila and Uhura, and made her way to the door.

"Spock!" Uhura's voice was sharp, and he glanced at his partner almost awkwardly.

"There is one further thing, Nurse Chapel." She paused at the door. "You are, of course, familiar with the medical code, but may I suggest that you re-read it. Paying particular attention to Section 141, subheading 12."

Uhura was smiling, and her confusion deepened. The medical code? "Of course, sir. Goodbye." He nodded and the door shut.

Handover had just began when she reached the sickbay, and she was immediately met by Temple and the other nurses, who hugged her tightly, and demanded to know all the details of what she had done. She told them what she could – which wasn't very much, but seemed to pacify them – then set about giving them their orders for the day. A short glance told her the doctor's door was shut.

"How is Doctor McCoy?" She asked, worry slightly gnawing at her.

Campbell glanced at his door with a concerned look. "It's odd, Nurse Chapel. He's... well he's smiling..."

Ogiri nodded. "He seems off. I think he might be sick. Nurse Temple offered to scan him, but he wouldn't let her of course."

"Of course." She kept her face carefully neutral. "Well, I'll finish my duties, then see if he is alright." She wondered whether she could tell him that his happiness was scaring the nurses. She probably couldn't. She enjoyed his good moods too much.

The nurses nodded their relief, then got to work as she sat down at her desk. The PADD was still in her hand, but she wasn't sure whether she was ready to see it. Not here, in public. Instead, she pulled up the medical code, and scanned through until she reached the section Spock had pointed out. She read it through. Then she read it through again. And then she smiled and went to find the doctor.

"Come."

She entered and the doctor looked up at her, relieved. "Hell, I'm glad it's you. I thought Jim had come back to wind me up some more."

She took her seat opposite him with a smile. "About what?"

"What do you think?" He smiled slightly.

"You told him?"

"Of course not. He damn well guessed."

She supposed it was no different than Uhura and Gaila. She glanced at him, suddenly feeling lost for words. "So..."

"So." He was watching her carefully, and she blushed at the look in his eyes. Because now she understood it. And reciprocated it.

"I think I've solved our problem, doctor."

"Is that so?" He folded his arms across his chest, his usual stance for a fight. Well, she wasn't in the mood for an argument. Not unless it resulted in him kissing her. She pushed away that appealing thought. "Let me guess, you're planning on standing down, and making Temple head nurse?"

She stared at him for a moment. He really did know her too well. "Actually no."

He raised an eyebrow. "No? Hell, thank goodness for that. Because there was no way that was going to happen."

"It would have made sense." She pointed out mildly.

"Chapel, we both know that the sickbay would fall apart if you weren't head nurse." His voice was gruff, and she smiled at the thinly veiled compliment.

"Temple's not that bad."

"She's not that good either. And more to the point, she isn't you."

"Well, there is another option."

He raised an eyebrow. "Does it involve you leaving?"

"No."

"Then please enlighten me."

She laughed at him softly. He was entirely ridiculous, and she loved him for it. "I was re-reading the medical code. Do you remember Section 141, subheading 12."

"Remember it? Hell Chapel, of course I don't remember it. I'm not some damned Vulcan." She attempted not to laugh at that. She had the feeling that it probably wasn't best to let him know who had pointed her in the right direction. He was already having issues knowing that Spock had told the Illyrian's to rescue them.

"Well, I'll read it to you." She pulled it up on her PADD. "Section 141, subheading 12 – in respect to shoreleave: All medical personnel upon shoreleave, are unable to give orders, nor are obligated to respond to orders from higher rank, unless there is direct threat to life which deem such actions necessary."

McCoy paused, frowning. Then, suddenly, he stared at her. "Hell, does that mean...?"

"Yes..." She smiled at him, encouraging him to continue.

"That... on shoreleave, you don't have to respond to my orders."

"Yes."

"And I can't give them to you."

"Yes."

"So technically... technically, you're not my head nurse?"

"Exactly."

He smiled his half-smile and the butterflies in her stomach danced happily. "Which means, technically, on shoreleave, we can do whatever the hell we want."

"Something like that."

"Hell." He wiped his face with his hand and she grinned.

"We'll have to be careful whilst we're on the Enterprise. No one can suspect – not a thing. We won't be able to do... well anything." She knew if they were pulled up in front of the medical council they would both have to be in a position to take an oath and swear they hadn't had a physical relationship whilst in the their respective positions. Which meant that she had to keep her hands off him until next shoreleave. Which wouldn't be easy, given that her whole body was screaming to go to him and never leave his side again.

"No." McCoy agreed. He gave her a long look, eyes hot on hers. "Remind me, Chapel, how long it is until next shoreleave."

"A month."

"A month." He repeated slowly. She was struggling to read his expression.

"At least we don't have to worry about this moving too fast." She pointed out. She cared too much for him to ruin things by acting hastily. But this wouldn't be easy. Would he really be willing to wait that long for her? She didn't doubt he loved her, but what if that changed? What if he wasn't prepared for a relationship that was going to rely heavily on their friendship and stolen moments on shoreleave?

He stared at her for a moment, then chuckled suddenly. "Christine, I assure you I can screw up any relationship, fast or slow. However, if you're worrying whether I'm going to wait to have a relationship with you, well, I'd not lay a finger on you for the next four years if I had to."

"You would?" She saw his sincerity and loved him for it. There was no man like him.

"Yes." He gave her a look that left her slightly breathless. "Although I would probably spontaneously combust."

She laughed, remembering. If she had to wait another four years for that... "I think I would too." He was still looking at her with those eyes, and the urge to walk over and kiss him was near overwhelming. Was this how it was going to be from now on? Good grief – how was she meant to live with that? She attempted to change the subject.

"Did you speak to Intelligence?"
"Yes." He frowned. "It wasn't pretty."

She smiled. She could imagine. "I heard that you punched an admiral."

He snorted. "Well, he deserved it. Unfortunately, I think Chapman's going to make me pay."

"Well you're a hero, and Jim's best friend, so they can't do much."

He rolled his eye. "I wouldn't put my money on it. What did they say to you?"

She shrugged. "The usual. Offered me a medal, then what ever I wanted when I turned it down."

He scowled. "Me too. What did you say?"

"I asked that they looked after the clones. You?"

"I asked them to give Farie Ajec a decent funeral." She felt stunned – part of her had forgotten the scientist in her need to forget the events on the ship. The woman that had saved them both and brought them time. And they probably didn't even know her real name. She wondered if the Trill had a family somewhere that would mourn her death. It was like the doctor never to forget. "I asked for something else too." There was hesitance in his voice. "I'm not sure what you'll think of it." She waited patiently for him to continue. "I asked if I could carry out your medical training."

She stared at him, dumbfounded. "What?"

"Well, Chapel, you practically act like a doctor here anyhow, so it seems idiotic for you to have to go to medical school and learn things you already know. Starfleet have agreed to allow you to carry out your training on the Enterprise, under me whilst you're still head nurse, and then to take your exams at the end of our mission." He looked nervous. "Only if you want to."

It was more than she'd ever imagined. More than she could believe. He was going to train her. She was going to be a doctor. And she was able to stay here, with him, the man she loved more than anything. "Of course I want to." She shook her head at him in wonder. "How could I not want to?"

He frowned, but there was relief in his eyes. "Well, we're see if you're still saying that when you're trying to do all that learning on top of your duties. And don't think I'll go easy on you because I... well because of my feelings for you."

She grinned at him. His feelings for her... "Leonard, you've never gone easy on me in the past. I would hardly expect it to start now."

He rolled his eyes at her. "Don't get cocky Chapel. So, what do you need me to do today?" He indicated to her PADD, and she glanced down and realised she was carrying the one Spock had given her. She activated it, and frowned. It was an audio file. She was suddenly unsure whether she wanted to hear it. "Chapel?"

She looked up to see the confused eyes of the doctor. "It's one of the ghost files – Spock gave it to me. He said it would interest me." She paused, glancing back down at it. Someone had deleted this file. Maybe it should have stayed deleted. It was over now. She was done. She didn't need any more reminders of the past, or of what they'd just done. And yet...

"Play it." McCoy ordered her firmly. She glanced at him again, seeking his reassurance, then obediently played the file.

"Christine. If you're listening to this than I am dead, and I have set you down a difficult path." The soft voice filled the room, freezing her mind. She knew that voice. Of course she did. It was Roger Korby's. "I'm sure that I owe you some semblance of an explanation. I know that you will find what you have done difficult, and I would like to think that you feel at least some remorse for aiding my suicide. Nevertheless, I assure you it was necessary, as have been most of my actions, although, my dear, I have found many of them regrettable. Seeing you again on this ship, seeing the woman that you have become, reassures me, if nothing else, that I did the right thing.

"When I found mention of equipment that could create perfection, I cannot lie, I was filled with hope. I desired to create Utopia, as we had often spoken of – a society where perfection and happiness reigned. In my plans, I needed you at my side, the closest thing I had ever found to perfection in our universe. But you were so young, to give yourself entirely to such a project, and had not yet become your own person, although I entirely loved the woman that you were. I needed you to gain strength – to be strong enough to stand up to me, should it be necessary. And, of course, my dear, it was. So I left you, although it grieved me, I assure you, to be away from your radiance. I worked with the remarkable equipment, saw what it could do, and was still optimistic that we could use it. However, it was not until you found me, until I saw your beautiful face, that I realised what I had become. How, in obsessing over perfection, I had led myself down the path of imperfection. It was then that I recalled some of your first words – how we travel the stars to find truth, and realised the truth I had found was simple. Our worlds were not prepared for the perfection that Exo III offered. I knew however, that I would not be strong enough to protect it. The equipment sang out to me like a sirens call, and I had killed because of it. But you – I knew that if I continued to test you, you would be stronger, as you were already better. And you are – you have just proved it by protecting an innocent." She hadn't realised she was shaking until she felt McCoy's arms wrap around her shoulders, giving her the support she needed as the voice continued. "It grieves me to give you such a burden, my love, but I know that you will bear it well. I ask that you protect the equipment, even to its destruction if necessary, for there are already many eyes on it, seeking the power that it would bring to our universe. I have done what I can to aid you, but trust that you will know what to do.

"Finally, Christine, I need you to know that I loved you, I always have done. However, when I returned to Earth I could never ask you to reciprocate feelings when I was as fallen as I was. I cannot avoid the simple cliché that you were too good for me. Nevertheless, from what I have seen of you on this ship, there may be others that will fill my place better and more completely. Leonard McCoy seems attached to you, and perhaps the stern chap could benefit from a person such as yourself." She felt the doctor's arms tighten around her. "But forgive the ramblings of an old man. I have moved on to a higher place now, and have left my possessions to you. I am, and always will be, your servant."

She sat still, stunned for a moment, before leaning back into the doctor's warmth. Well... She wasn't sure what to think. Things would have been much easier if she had heard this message earlier. But then, perhaps they wouldn't have been. She wasn't sure she would have been ready to hear that he had loved her all along. She had McCoy now – Roger had been perceptive about that as he had about everything else. And for the first time, her life was falling into place.

"Chapel?" The doctor's breath was warm by her ear, and she felt herself smile as he kissed her cheek. She loved him.

"We should be careful, doctor. If someone was to walk in now, there would be talk."

She could feel his chuckle vibrate in his chest. "The nurses will simply think I'm trying to strangle you."

She was grateful of his change of subject, grateful that he made no comment. It was over, and she didn't want to talk about it. "I don't know – they warned me you've been acting awfully out of character. Apparently you've been smiling a lot recently."

He kissed her temple then released her, taking his own seat with that half-smile. "I can't think why."

She laughed softly. "Me neither. What could have possibly occurred to put you in a good mood?"

He raised an eyebrow. "Well, you've got a month to work it out, Chapel. I'll hear your hypothesis on shoreleave."

"I'd best do some research then."

"Yes, you probably should."

She laughed at the heated expression on his face, and handed him a PADD. "But in the meantime doctor, we have quarterly reports coming up, and you're already behind."
"Damn it – how is that even possible?" He scowled at the PADD, and she laughed.

"I believe you've been preoccupied lately."

"Of course I have. Do you have any idea how distracting it is sitting opposite you every night?"

She shook her head at him, smiling archly. It hadn't been particularly easy for her either, especially after their first kiss. "Well, I don't have to, you know."

He gave her a stern look. "Damn right you do. You belong in the chair, Chapel, so you'd best come to terms with it."

She smiled. "I already did doctor, a long time ago." His expression softened, and she felt that pull to kiss him again. "Right, now the quarterly reports. I thought we'd start with Jim."

He returned her smile. "Very well, Nurse Chapel."

"Thank you, Doctor McCoy."

And so they began.